RTDNA, RTDNF Announce Appointment of First Director of Strategic Initiatives

May 15, 2018 11:00

The Radio Television Digital News Association and Foundation today named Tara Puckey, former interim executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists, as its first-ever Director of Strategic Initiatives.

In her new role, Puckey will assist the RTDNA and RTDNF Boards, as well as Executive Director Dan Shelley, in cultivating and managing business partnerships, grant procurement, development efforts and other strategic endeavors. She will focus on enhancing the organizations’ status as the world’s largest professional association and foundation devoted exclusively to advocating on behalf of broadcast and digital journalists.

“As RTDNA and RTDNF elevate their visibility and influence as protectors of, and advocates for, press freedom and professional development for veteran and emerging journalists, Tara’s proven record of creating and managing partnerships, and developing lucrative new revenue streams, will serve our members, and the journalism industry, exceptionally well,” said Dan Shelley, RTDNA and RTDNF Executive Director.

"At a time when the protection and preservation of the First Amendment are critical – when credible, thoughtful journalism goes to bat against disinformation and a free press continues to be challenged at the highest levels of government – organizations such as RTDNA and RTDNF are doing all they can to turn the tide. I’m excited to join an incredible team centered around a collaborative focus on a free, unfettered press,” Puckey said.

Prior to serving as SPJ’s interim executive director beginning in the fall of 2017, Puckey worked as its associate executive director and, prior to that, its member strategist. She has a journalism degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and an MBA from Western Governors University.

Puckey begins her duties at RTDNA and RTDNF June 4.

About RTDNA

RTDNA is the world's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to broadcast and digital journalism. Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, RTDNA works to protect the rights of journalists throughout the country, promotes ethical standards in the industry, provides members with training and education and honors outstanding work in the profession through the Edward R. Murrow Awards.

About RTDNF

RTDNF, a 501(c)3 educational foundation, was created to help RTDNA members embody and uphold the standards of ethical journalism and promote leadership in the newsroom. RTDNF offers the broadcast and digital news community professional development, an open forum for the discussion of ethics, and support of First Amendment issues. The Foundation also provides scholarships and fellowships to aspiring and early-career broadcast and digital journalists.